The Office of the Governor of Cross River State has issued a strong rebuttal against what it describes as “erroneous narratives” circulating on social media, following the government’s decision to suspend the planned Nkot Mbok masquerade display, GRASSROOT REPORTERS reports.
In a statement released by Chief Press Secretary Nsa Gill, the administration clarified that the decision was solely based on security concerns and not politically motivated, as some have insinuated.
The controversy began when the State Security Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu, Major General O.U. Obono (Rtd), issued a public service announcement warning the Nkot Mbok cultural group to suspend its planned event. The announcement cited potential security risks and the group’s failure to comply with Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the Masquerades (Control) Law of Cross River State, as well as the lack of necessary permits from relevant authorities.
“The attention of the office of the State Security Adviser has been drawn to plans by some elements to perpetrate mayhem within the state under the guise of Nkot Mbok,” the announcement stated. “Consequently, the leaders/organizers of such group(s) are warned to suspend the planned activity forthwith, otherwise, they shall be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
The suspension of the event, however, sparked a wave of reactions, political insinuations on social media. Some individuals and groups claimed that the decision was aimed at undermining Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., who was the invited guest of honor for the event.
Senator Ekpenyong, representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, had earlier issued a statement through his Senior Legislative Aide, Ted Inyang, urging the event organizers to engage with the State Security Adviser to resolve the issues raised.
In response to the growing misinformation, Chief Press Secretary Nsa Gill emphasized that Governor Otu’s administration remains focused on governance and development, rather than political machinations. The statement described the false narratives as the work of “meddlers and opportunistic politicians” seeking to sow discord among elected officials and distract from the governor’s development agenda.
“These meddlers are quick to engage in name-calling, attempting to sow discord among elected officials and fabricating scenarios to suit their whims,” the statement read. “Unofficial media jobbers have also joined the fray, contributing to the propagation of entirely erroneous and baseless narratives.”
The statement further clarified that the Nkot Mbok event, a cultural gathering with roots predating Governor Otu’s administration, has no political affiliations. It dismissed claims of political undertones in the governor’s decision, emphasizing that the event’s sponsorship by Senator Ekpenyong should not be misconstrued as a point of contention between the governor and the senator.
“It is utterly fallacious to insinuate political undertones and endeavor to pit the Governor against the senator representing his senatorial district,” the statement noted. “Governor Otu has never resorted to manipulating circumstances to secure electoral victories, whether during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives, a senator, or as the Governor.”
The administration also reiterated Governor Otu’s unwavering commitment to security, noting that the governor would never compromise on matters that threaten the peace and safety of the state. “It is always preferable to decisively prevent any raised concerns rather than vacillate over threats to life and peace,” the statement asserted.
Governor Otu’s Chief Press Secretary further addressed criticisms regarding the governor’s decision to delegate a representative to the annual Otomo Obong 2024 event due to pressing state obligations. The statement clarified that the governor holds the Obong of Calabar and the ancient throne in high esteem, and his actions were not indicative of any disrespect.
“The Obong of Calabar and the Council are well aware of the profound respect the Governor, himself a Prince, holds for the ancient throne and the incumbent,” the statement read.
In conclusion, the administration called on all stakeholders to reject false narratives and focus on constructive engagements aimed at advancing the state’s development. The statement reaffirmed Governor Otu’s commitment to fulfilling his electoral promises and delivering leadership that will take Cross River State to a brighter future.
“Governor Otu welcomes constructive criticisms and engagements aimed at advancing state development,” the statement concluded. “False narratives propagated for political gains and divisiveness are deplorable and must be condemned and discontinued immediately.”
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